Delicious on a Dime

At first glance of this cookbook with it's title one might think it was printed awhile ago. After reading the page of acknowledgements, the book was done not so long ago, 2012. The premise is to use non-pricey ingredients to create cost effective or cost cutting delicious recipes. Saving you time and money while eating well.

With 154 recipes, there is something for everyone. Each recipe has a point breakdown into Prep, Bake/Cook Time, Yield/Serves, and a Cost per Serving. There are helpful Kitchen Tips for boosting flavour, substituting an ingredient, storing, adding more veggies, making it healthier, adding more spice, omitting nuts, and saving time. All in all this cookbook is quite handy. 

There are plenty of recipes to ponder over like Chicken Tamale Casserole, Baked Pasta with Peas and Ham, Potato, Pepper and Chorizo Hash with Fried Eggs, Green Salad with Roasted Beets, Goats Cheese and Almonds, Salmon, Potato Green Bean Salad, "Fried" Ice Cream Truffles, and Mocha Truffle Cake. I am going to share this interesting recipe from the cookbook...

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Nuggets

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Prep: 15 mins  Bake: 25 min  Serves:4  Cost per Serving: $1.79

•2 cups salted pretzel twists (about 3 oz)

•1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

•1/2 cup all-purpose flour

•1/4 teaspoon pepper

•2 large eggs

•1 Ibs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch pieces

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF and coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray. Place pretzels and Parmesan in a food processor and process until coarsely ground and well mixed, 20 to 30 seconds. Transfer to a large bowl.

2. Combine flour and pepper in a separate bowl. Beat eggs with 1 teaspoon water in a third bowl. 

3. Roll a chicken piece in flour mixture until throughly coated. Dip in eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Transfer to pretzel mixture and turn until throughly coated. Place chicken on baking sheet. Repeat with remaining pieces of chicken. Bake until lightly browned, 20 to 25 minutes.

Kitchen Tips: 

*Switch cuts. Make this recipe with boneless chicken thighs. Bake for about 10 minutes longer. 

*Get Saucy. Serve the nuggets with ponzu, a Japanese dipping sauce made of lemon juice, soy sauce, sugar, vinegar and grated fresh ginger. Or offer a honey-mustard or barbecue option if you prefer.  

It's been hot and humid here; doing what we can to stay hydrated and cool. - JD